PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Every November marks a new beginning in the life of Lake Worth Dollars for Scholars. The online application for DFS scholarships opened on Nov. 1, and seniors have until March 21, 2025, to complete the form. While today's digital application process is decidedly different than it was when DFS started back in 1999, the goal is still the same - to help students attend the college or vocational/technical school of their choice.

The idea that a public school like Lake Worth Community High School could do this for its own students was a novel concept when former Principal Dave Cantley and alumni Al Elam and Dennis Dorsey worked together to establish our DFS chapter. In 1999, DFS awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarships to 15 students. Last spring, 53 recipients were selected to receive $101,000 in scholarships. In the course of 25 years, DFS has awarded $1,748,500 to more than 1,200 students.

LWCHS students are not the only beneficiaries of DFS scholarships. DFS administers the Barry Grunow Memorial Scholarship, which is open to graduating seniors at LWCHS and across Palm Beach County who aspire to become educators. We encourage all eligible students in our county to apply, including those in private and parochial schools and those who are educated at home.

These scholarships would not be possible without generous donors and a number of volunteers serving behind the scenes. DFS has an active Scholarship Committee under the leadership of Doris Welsh. LWCHS Principal Elena Villani and counselors Margaret Salazar Gomez and LaJayah Blain play an important role by encouraging the students and assisting them with their applications. DFS's Investment Committee provides critical support through its oversight of the organization's endowments. Lastly, I'd like to say thank you to the boards of both DFS and the Lake Worth High School Alumni Foundation for their dedication to the cause.

Looking ahead to the next 25 years, I invite all alumni and friends of LWCHS to join us in our mission of helping students reach their full potential. We welcome donations and volunteers. Please reach out to us at any time if you'd like to help.

Lady Hereford, President

Lake Worth Dollars for Scholars